By Jack Fink
Updated: December 8, 2025 / 11:50 PM EST / CBS Texas
Rep. Jasmine Crockett formally filed paperwork Monday to run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas and announced her campaign at a news conference, making clear she intends to run as a combative, turnout-focused candidate.
Crockett said she is finished “with going along to get along,” citing closures of rural hospitals and public schools, rising gun violence, and what she described as Senate inaction while former President Trump benefits the wealthy and cuts social programs. “The gloves have been off, and now I’m jumping into the ring,” she said, asking for support to become the next U.S. senator from Texas.
On the Democratic side she will face state Rep. James Talarico of Austin, whose campaign drew national attention and raised a record $6.2 million in the first three weeks after his announcement. Talarico released a statement after Crockett filed welcoming her to the race and stressing his grassroots fundraising and volunteer network.
Republicans also have a crowded primary. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is seeking renomination, and Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt are also competing. Paxton’s campaign criticized Crockett with a nickname and took aim at Cornyn for the tens of millions reportedly spent in the primary despite polling that places Cornyn behind others.
Crockett’s entry came the same day former Rep. Colin Allred announced he was exiting the Senate race to run in the newly drawn 33rd Congressional District in Dallas County. The Supreme Court recently cleared Texas’ new congressional map for use in 2026, reshaping several Dallas-area districts. Allred said he stepped aside to avoid a bruising Democratic Senate primary and potential runoff that could leave the party divided against Trump-aligned Republicans.
Some Democrats had worried that multiple high-profile Senate candidates would drain party resources that might be better deployed across the ticket. Crockett previously told CBS News Texas she would only run for Senate if internal polling showed she could win the general election, not just the primary, and said she would share that polling with potential rivals. She emphasized her campaign will focus on expanding turnout rather than relying on crossover Republican voters.
Crockett has become a nationally visible figure in part because of public confrontations with Trump. Supporters say she can energize Democratic turnout; critics warn she could also mobilize conservative voters. Matt Angle, director of the Lone Star Project, said Crockett could boost turnout for Democrats but must avoid energizing Republicans. Republican consultant Vinny Minchillo called her polarizing and suggested she may be viewed as too far left by many Texas voters; he also predicted the Republican primary could go to a runoff and estimated the overall Senate contest—including outside spending—could cost at least $750 million.
Crockett’s Senate bid means she will not seek reelection in Texas’ 30th Congressional District, which she has represented since 2023. Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth has announced plans to file to run in the newly drawn 30th District, which will include parts of Dallas County and eastern Tarrant County. Frederick Haynes III, senior pastor at Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, has confirmed awareness of a draft effort exploring a run.
The new 33rd District is entirely within Dallas County and is majority Latino. Allred will face Rep. Julie Johnson of Farmers Branch, who currently represents the 32nd District after succeeding Allred when he ran for Senate last year. Under the new map the 32nd has shifted to a Republican majority; GOP candidates in that area include Ryan Binkley, Darrell Day, Aimee Carrasco, Monty Montanez and Paul Bondar.
Former Rep. Darrell Issa of California briefly considered a North Texas bid before deciding to seek reelection in his San Diego-area district. State Rep. Katrina Pierson also considered a North Texas run but opted to pursue reelection to the Texas House.
Crockett’s entrance reshapes the Democratic field in Texas and sets up a high-profile, potentially expensive Senate contest that will be closely watched nationally as both parties prepare for the 2026 cycle.